ACL Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
ACL Ligament Knee Arthroscopy Surgery – Restoring Knee Stability
A torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) makes your knee feel unstable, especially during twisting, turning, or landing movements. At Shivam Advance Ortho Care in Basaveshwar Nagar, Bangalore, our orthopaedic surgeons perform arthroscopic ACL reconstruction – minimally invasive keyhole surgery that rebuilds the torn ligament and restores the stability your knee needs for daily life and sport.
We use your own tissue (hamstring or quadriceps tendon graft) or donor tissue where appropriate, and every procedure is planned around your age, activity level, and goals. Because we have in-house digital imaging, surgery, and physiotherapy, your entire journey — from diagnosis to return to sport — happens under one roof.
Why Patients Choose Us for ACL Surgery:
Sports-Injury Expertise – We treat athletes, gym-goers, and active adults who want to get back to what they love.
Arthroscopic (Keyhole) Technique – Small incisions, less post-operative pain, minimal scarring, and quicker discharge.
Accurate Diagnosis – Clinical tests (Lachman, pivot shift), digital X-ray, and MRI correlation before surgery.
Graft Selection Tailored to You – Hamstring, quadriceps, or allograft chosen based on your body and sport.
Combined Injury Management – ACL plus meniscus or cartilage injuries addressed in a single procedure.
Complete Rehabilitation Pathway – Structured post-op physiotherapy at our clinic; home physiotherapy available across Bangalore.
Honest Advice – If your ACL tear can be managed without surgery, we'll tell you.
Our ACL & Knee Arthroscopy Services
ACL Tear Assessment & Diagnosis Detailed clinical examination (Lachman test, pivot shift test, anterior drawer), digital X-ray for alignment, and MRI review to confirm the tear and check for associated meniscus or cartilage injuries.
Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction Keyhole surgery to rebuild the torn ACL using a graft. The procedure restores knee stability, prevents further damage, and is usually performed within weeks of injury once swelling settles.
ACL Repair (Selective Cases) For certain proximal tears in young patients, primary repair with augmentation may be possible instead of full reconstruction – preserving the native ligament where the tear pattern allows.
Hamstring Tendon Graft ACL Reconstruction The most commonly used technique – strong, well-tested, and associated with good long-term outcomes and minimal donor-site issues.
Quadriceps Tendon Graft ACL Reconstruction Increasingly preferred for athletes and revision cases, offering a robust graft with favourable biomechanics.
Combined ACL + Meniscus Surgery Single-stage arthroscopic procedure that reconstructs the ACL and repairs or trims a torn meniscus at the same time – protecting the knee from long-term arthritis.
Revision ACL Reconstruction For patients with a re-torn ACL or failed previous reconstruction, with careful evaluation of tunnel position and causes of failure.
Knee Arthroscopy for Other Conditions Diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy for cartilage injuries, loose bodies, synovitis, and other intra-articular knee problems.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation Structured physiotherapy – swelling control, range of motion, quadriceps activation, progressive strengthening, balance work, and sport-specific return-to-play testing.
Signs You May Have an ACL Tear
A loud “pop” in the knee at the time of injury
Rapid swelling within a few hours of the injury
Knee giving way or feeling unstable when walking or turning
Inability to continue playing sport after the injury
Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
Loss of full range of motion
A feeling that the knee is “not normal,” even after swelling reduces
Your Treatment Pathway – Step by Step
Step 1 – Consultation & Physical Examination History-taking, Lachman/pivot shift/anterior drawer tests, and digital X-ray to rule out fractures and assess alignment.
Step 2 – MRI & Injury Mapping MRI review to confirm the ACL tear and identify associated meniscus, cartilage, or collateral ligament injuries.
Step 3 – Pre-Surgical Preparation Physiotherapy to reduce swelling, restore range of motion, and strengthen the quadriceps before surgery – an important step for better outcomes.
Step 4 – Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction Typically 60–90 minutes under spinal or general anaesthesia. Most patients stay one night or go home the same day.
Step 5 – Post-Operative Protocol Brace use, crutch support, and weight-bearing instructions as advised, with early range-of-motion work.
Step 6 – Physiotherapy & Milestone Tracking Progressive rehabilitation with assessments at regular intervals; return-to-sport testing at 6–9 months.
Step 7 – Return to Activity Graded return to walking, gym training, running, and sport with final clearance after strength and functional testing.
Recovery Timeline After ACL Reconstruction
Protected Phase (0–2 weeks) Swelling control, brace use, gentle knee bending, quadriceps activation exercises, and partial weight-bearing with crutches.
Early Rehab (2–6 weeks) Regaining full extension and flexion, walking without crutches, and beginning light strengthening.
Strengthening Phase (6 weeks – 3 months) Progressive loading, balance and proprioception work, stationary cycling, and light gym training.
Functional Phase (3–6 months) Running, agility drills, and sport-specific movement patterns under physiotherapy supervision.
Return-to-Sport Phase (6–9 months, sometimes longer) Strength and hop testing, sport-specific drills, and final clearance before returning to competitive sport.
Note: ACL recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Graft healing and safe return to sport take time — rushing the process risks re-injury. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide your personalised timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the ACL, and why is it important? A: The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the main ligaments stabilising your knee. It prevents the shin bone from sliding forward and controls rotational movements — which is why a torn ACL makes the knee feel unstable.
Q2. How do I know if my ACL is torn? A: Common signs include a “pop” at the time of injury, rapid swelling, knee instability, and difficulty continuing activity. A proper diagnosis needs a clinical examination and usually an MRI. If you suspect an ACL tear, avoid twisting movements and see an orthopaedic specialist.
Q3. Does every ACL tear need surgery? A: No. Some patients — especially those who are less active or willing to modify their lifestyle — can manage with structured physiotherapy and bracing. However, surgery is usually recommended for athletes, active individuals, and anyone with repeated episodes of the knee giving way.
Q4. What is arthroscopic ACL reconstruction? A: It's keyhole surgery where the torn ACL is replaced with a graft (usually your own hamstring or quadriceps tendon). Using small incisions and a camera, the surgeon creates bone tunnels and fixes the graft in place to rebuild the ligament.
Q5. Which graft is best — hamstring or quadriceps tendon? A: Both are excellent. Hamstring grafts are the most widely used and have strong long-term results. Quadriceps grafts are increasingly preferred for athletes and revision cases. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your anatomy, sport, and goals.
Q6. How soon after injury should surgery be done? A: Usually after swelling has settled and you have regained good range of motion — often 2–6 weeks after injury. Pre-surgery physiotherapy (“prehab”) improves outcomes. Some patients need surgery sooner if there are other injuries.
Q7. Is ACL surgery painful? A: The surgery is performed under anaesthesia, so you feel nothing during the procedure. Post-operative pain is usually manageable with medications and improves significantly within the first week or two.
Q8. How long will I stay in hospital? A: Most ACL reconstructions take 60–90 minutes. Many patients go home the same day, while some stay one night for observation and pain control.
Q9. Will I need a brace and crutches? A: Yes — most patients use a knee brace and crutches for the first 2–4 weeks, gradually weaning off as strength and confidence return. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide this.
Q10. When can I return to work? A: Desk work is usually possible within 1–2 weeks. Physically demanding jobs take longer — typically 6–12 weeks — depending on your recovery and the demands of your role.
Q11. When can I play sports again? A: Most patients return to light sport at 6–9 months, and full competitive sport often at 9–12 months, only after passing strength and functional tests. Returning too early is the biggest risk factor for re-tearing the graft.
Q12. Can the ACL heal on its own? A: The ACL has a very poor blood supply and rarely heals on its own. Some partial tears may become functional with physiotherapy, but complete tears generally need reconstruction for full stability.
Q13. Will I get arthritis after ACL surgery? A: ACL injury increases the long-term risk of knee arthritis regardless of surgery. However, reconstruction restores stability, protects the meniscus and cartilage, and reduces further damage — which is why timely treatment matters.
Q14. Is ACL surgery covered by insurance? A: Yes, ACL reconstruction is commonly covered by health insurance when medically indicated. Our team will assist with documentation, pre-authorisation, and cashless or reimbursement claims.
Q15. Do you offer physiotherapy after ACL surgery? A: Yes — post-operative rehabilitation is done in-house at our clinic, or as home physiotherapy in Bangalore if you can't travel. This continuity of care is a major reason our patients recover well.
Q16. What are the charges for ACL reconstruction surgery? A: Costs depend on the graft type, implants used, any additional procedures (such as meniscus repair), and length of stay. Please call 08048035347 for an estimate after consultation.